How do courts determine a child’s best interests?

If you are working through a divorce in Michigan, you may be facing all sorts of stress-inducing hurdles. For example, you could have anxiety over child support or the manner in which your marital property will be split up. However, disputes and uncertainty over the custody of children can be particularly emotional and it is vital to work towards an end result that serves your child’s best interests. So, how do courts decide what is in the best interests of children, anyway?

The Child Welfare Information Gateway says that courts in various states will take numerous factors into consideration when attempting to figure out what would be in a child’s best interests. For example, courts may take into consideration any occurrences of domestic violence as well as the emotional needs of a child. The financial standing of each parent may also be reviewed as well as each party’s ability to give the child the resources that he or she needs.

If you anticipate a dispute over the custody of your children, or are already in the middle of one, you should take a careful look at the details surrounding your situation and approach your case carefully. Ultimately, you should always keep your child’s interests in mind and remain motivated to work towards an outcome that will be healthiest for them. After all, divorce can be especially difficult for children and you should try to make this experience easier.

Please understand that this post is no alternative to legal advice and was written for the sake of providing general information.

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